The corruption trial of a former Massachusetts Department of Transportation official began this week in Worcester County Superior Court.

Thomas Waruzila, former director of the MassDOT Worcester office, is accused of using his influence to award state snow removal contracts to a friend and hiding his own financial interest in equipment being used.

Warzulia, of Worcester, is facing three counts of violating the state conflict of interest law and three counts of procurement fraud. The trial began Tuesday.

Prosecutor Greg A. Friedholm said in his opening statement that Waruzila bought a front-end loader and put it in the name of a friend, Quang T. Do of Worcester, who then was awarded a contract, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reported.

Defense attorney William J. Cintolo said the arrangement was a loan that was repaid, the Telegram reported.

Do and two other men involved in the alleged scheme, Anthony and Dean Gleason, are also facing charges.